Definition of contrapposto in English:
contrapposto
nounPlural contrapposti ˌkɒntrəˈpɒstəʊˌkäntrəˈpästō
Sculpture An asymmetrical arrangement of the human figure in which the line of the arms and shoulders contrasts with, while balancing, those of the hips and legs.
Example sentencesExamples
- The figure is artfully foreshortened, engaging in a sweeping contrapposto to provide a virtuoso ‘frame’ for the sudarium, the origin of all cult images, made without human hands from the face of Christ.
- Dosso stages Saint George in a poised contrapposto as he stands triumphant over the dragon, who exhales his final puffs of smoke.
- He makes a mockery of David's magnificent contrapposto.
- Mouths open, not yet inured to the sight, many adopt the famous sculpture's contrapposto.
- The preferred figure type was more mature and monumental, with contrapposto being used to give movement to the large, solid figures.
Origin
Italian, past participle of contrapporre, from Latin contraponere 'place against'.